Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Bible Study Notes in Psalms- Chapter 78

Psalm 78

-Theme: Lessons
from the history of Israel from the time of slavery in Egypt to the reign of
King David. Generational instruction for the perpetuity of a God
fearing-honoring people.

-Historical Insight: This is a parable of Asaph, set as a
maskil (a psalm that teaches something). It is a general history lesson as God
established His testimony in Jacob and set a law in Israel (Psalm 78:5). These
laws were expected by God to be taught to the succeeding generations
(Deuteronomy 6:1-7). The purpose was to instill the confidence of God and the
right heart for faithful righteousness into the ones who would come behind so
that they would not be a stubborn and rebellious house like their fathers
(Psalm 78:7-8). Asaph goes through each scenario to demonstrate this, from
Ephraim’s refusal to keep covenant with God, to the Egyptian exodus complaining,
to the wilderness wanderings testing of God, to their possession of the holy
land in the hill country with idolatry, to the Kingdom of Israel of God’s
choosing. He describes what had happened and why God was justified in His anger
and wrath when disobedience was prevalent. Asaph also depicts the grace of the
LORD in these events, and how much He cared for His people through it all. Even
the grief of God is portrayed when His people forgot His power and authority
over them (Psalm 78:40-42). There is special attention given to Zion and the
tribe of Judah near the end of the parable with David receiving credit for
being the one who “shepherded them according to the integrity of his heart, and
guided them with his skillful hands (Psalm 78:72).” This encompasses the
Davidic line, which runs as a constant theme through Scripture fulfilled in the
Messiah.

-*Application* This is a clarion call for us to instruct our
children in the ways of God with all due diligence and patience. It is His
expectation for each generation to obey Him and His plan for salvation and
shalom (well-being). Shepherd your family, and those you have influence over,
according to the integrity of your heart and guide them with skillful hands.
May your confidence be put in God.